NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with industrial real estate developer Berthaphil Inc. to advance the development of aviation-related industries within the Clark Aviation Capital in Pampanga and New Clark City in Tarlac. This is in line with the socioeconomic agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to promote infrastructure-led growth, strengthen logistics connectivity, and generate quality jobs outside Metro Manila. The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) by BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang and Berthaphil President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Herman on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Under the MOU, BCDA and Berthaphil will conduct a joint study to identify opportunities for aviation-related industries and businesses in the two BCDA-managed economic zones. The study will assess land use alignment with Clark’s master development plan, infrastructure and support requirements of potential investors, investment demand, and possible modes of cooperation. “Berthaphil has long been a trusted partner of BCDA and a key contributor to the development of the Clark Freeport Zone,” said Engr. Bingcang. “This collaboration builds on that partnership and supports Clark’s growth as a competitive aviation and logistics hub.” Established in 1995, Berthaphil is a private industrial estate developer and locator within Clark Freeport Zone, with experience in developing and managing industrial parks that support export-oriented and technology-driven industries. The company has expressed interest in expanding aviation-related business ecosystems within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex and New Clark City. The initiative supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 priorities on infrastructure modernization, industrial diversification, and regional development. It also reinforces the government’s vision of positioning the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital as the country’s premier gateway and logistics hotspot, while advancing BCDA’s mandate to develop the 9,450-hectare New Clark City into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive investment destination.        

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO or the “Bank”) has launched the public offer of its Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion. This marks the Bank’s fifth Peso-denominated ASEAN Sustainability Bond, following an aggregate of PHP286.7 billion Sustainability Bonds in four prior issuances since January 2022. The net proceeds will be used to support the Bank’s lending activities and diversify funding sources and will be used and/or allocated by the Bank to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has likewise confirmed that the proposed issuance complies with the requirements set forth under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular. The proposed issuance has a tenor of three (3) years and bears a coupon rate of 5.7125% per annum. The minimum investment amount is PHP500,000, with additional increments of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will run from January 7 to 19, 2026, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on January 26, 2026. BDO reserves the right to amend the terms and the timing of the issuance as it deems necessary. Standard Chartered Bank is the Sole Arranger of the proposed issuance, with BDO Unibank, Inc. and Standard Chartered Bank as the Selling Agents, and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as Financial Advisor.                

ISABELA, Philippines — A hybrid solar- and wind-powered modular cold storage facility is set to be constructed in Barangay Napaccu Grande, Reina Mercedes, Isabela, behind the Public Market and Bagsakan Center. This project, which broke ground on January 20, marks a significant step toward modernizing the municipality’s agricultural infrastructure and providing farmers and fisherfolk with sustainable post-harvest solutions. The project, a joint initiative of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office II (DA-RFO II) and the Local Government Unit of Reina Mercedes, is fully funded by the DA with a total cost of ₱12.87 million. It aims to reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf life of perishable commodities, and increase farmers’ income through a hybrid, energy-efficient facility powered by solar and wind energy with battery support. Mayor Ma. Lourdes Respicio-Saguban said the project reflects the municipality’s commitment to science- and technology-driven agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, noting that despite Reina Mercedes’ small land area and vulnerability to flooding, the local government continues to pursue innovations that benefit farmers and the local economy. DA Regional Director Rosemarie Aquino emphasized that the facility will gradually position Reina Mercedes as the “Reyna ng Agrikultura ng Isabela,” underscoring the importance of strengthening post-harvest facilities, linking farmers to markets, and focusing on key local commodities. She also expressed her gratitude to Governor Rodito Albano for his continued support in advancing agricultural modernization across the province. Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde described the cold storage facility as a practical and adaptable solution, noting that its hybrid design helps preserve produce quality from farm to market. He added that the project supports broader logistics and food hub initiatives aimed at enabling local products to reach major markets across Northern Luzon and Metro Manila. The modular cold storage facility has a maximum capacity of one ton and can accommodate up to 370 crates of mixed vegetables or up to 1,000 kilograms of other commodities. Operating at temperatures ranging from 1°C to 10°C, it will offer cold storage rental services under a retail-based model. Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, preserve produce freshness, improve income sustainability for farmers, traders, and market vendors, generate employment during construction and operation, and minimize reliance on conventional electricity.

MANILA, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) closed 2025 with Php14.1 billion in cash revenues, surpassing its Php10 billion target by over 40 percent and exceeding the Php11.66 billion recorded in 2024 by 20.9 percent. The strong performance underscores BCDA’s solid liquidity position and improved cash generation, supported by increased private-sector activity in its economic zones and the strategic use of land assets for priority national infrastructure projects. “BCDA’s 2025 results show that investor confidence in our economic zones is strengthening, driven by disciplined asset management and projects that are ready for execution,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “This allows us to convert land value into real cash flows that directly support government priorities.” He added that the transfer of BCDA properties for priority infrastructure projects reflects the agency’s role in advancing connectivity and inclusive economic growth. Cash revenues refer to actual collections received within the year, providing a clear picture of BCDA’s liquidity and cash performance. This differs from prior disclosures based on accrual accounting reflected in audited financial statements, which include revenues recorded but not yet collected. BCDA’s 2025 cash revenues were generated from a combination of land dispositions, lease arrangements, concession fees, and investment-related receipts across BCDA-administered economic zones. These were supported by higher private-sector investments, improved performance of transport-related concessions, and continued investor uptake in strategic growth areas such as New Clark City and Camp John Hay. Supporting AFP modernization From the Php14.1 billion cash revenues generated in 2025, an estimated Php3.29 billion is expected to be remitted to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. This is on top of BCDA’s cumulative Php103 billion contribution to the AFP Modernization Program and the replication of military facilities from May 1993 to December 2025, in line with Republic Act No. 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act. Under the law, BCDA transforms former U.S. military bases and Metro Manila camps into centers of economic growth, generating revenues through land development and partnerships, while channeling proceeds to national defense, priority infrastructure, and socioeconomic programs of the government. “BCDA remains focused on sustaining strong cash performance,” Engr. Bingcang said. “This enables us to reinvest in high-impact projects, help strengthen national defense, and deliver long-term value for the Filipino people.”          

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO or the “Bank”) has launched the public offer of its Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion. This marks the Bank’s fifth Peso-denominated ASEAN Sustainability Bond, following an aggregate of PHP286.7 billion Sustainability Bonds in four prior issuances since January 2022. The net proceeds will be used to support the Bank’s lending activities and diversify funding sources and will be used and/or allocated by the Bank to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has likewise confirmed that the proposed issuance complies with the requirements set forth under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular. The proposed issuance has a tenor of three (3) years and bears a coupon rate of 5.7125% per annum. The minimum investment amount is PHP500,000, with additional increments of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will run from January 7 to 19, 2026, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on January 26, 2026. BDO reserves the right to amend the terms and the timing of the issuance as it deems necessary. Standard Chartered Bank is the Sole Arranger of the proposed issuance, with BDO Unibank, Inc. and Standard Chartered Bank as the Selling Agents, and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as Financial Advisor. THE BONDS ARE SECURITIES EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 9.1(e) OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (“SRC”) AND AS SUCH WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SRC.            

BDO Unibank (BDO) is the sole Philippine bank ranked among the top 10 most valuable banking brands in ASEAN, as recognized by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, at the Asia Brand Gala 2025 in Singapore. Earlier in 2025, BDO was also named the Philippines’ most valuable brand for the second consecutive year, with its brand value rising 48% to US$ 3.7 billion. This accolade reflects BDO’s continued focus on enhancing customer experience, promoting financial inclusion, and driving operational excellence. Alex Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance Asia Pacific, shared “BDO’s consistent performance and strong reputation are testament to its ability to align brand strength with business results – pillars that continue to reinforce its leadership in the Philippine banking industry.”                            

Globe and GASA PH Leads Industry Drive to Curb Online Scam   Filipinos are now dealing with scams almost as often as they check their phones. A new nationwide study  from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) shows that an average Filipino encounters a scam attempt every two days. Six in ten individuals were successfully targeted at least once in the past year. The report, based on a survey of one thousand adults across the Philippines, mirrors what people encounter every day. Scams usually reach them through text messages and messaging apps, making it easy for fraudsters to blend in with regular conversations. Investment scams and unexpected money schemes remain the most common. Many victims felt overwhelmed or stressed, with some realizing too late that they have already been deceived. The report was released at the recent launch of the GASA Philippines Chapter, a multi-sector initiative chaired by Derick Ohmar Adil, Head of AI and Privacy Governance at Globe. The findings underline the need for a stronger, coordinated response across industries and sectors. Through its role in the chapter, Globe will help drive education efforts, strengthen threat intelligence sharing, and support closer industry coordination. The goal is to help Filipinos navigate the online space with more confidence and clearer protection. GASA has a global footprint and has long pioneered coordinated efforts that bring sectors together to protect consumers from scams. Globe recently accepted the chairmanship of the GASA PH Chapter, with Gogolook and Meta as vice chairs. This builds on earlier engagements with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other agencies that support a multi-sector approach to protecting Filipinos online. “The goal is to level the playing field for Filipinos,” Adil said. “Scams today move fast across different channels. No single organization can fix this alone. Collaboration is the only way forward. We want Filipinos to feel safe online and that Globe is their trusted partner to address these threats.” This partnership reflects a shared commitment across sectors to help Filipinos feel safer online. Work among partners and key stakeholders across sectors has already begun. In the months ahead, GASA PH and its members will refine the recommendations, focus areas, align stakeholders, and shape new ways of working, community education and awareness programs that address the realities Filipino users face today. Globe will take part in moving this effort forward through its role in the GASA PH Chapter, with the goal of helping build a digital environment where trust feels more certain and every Filipino feels supported.

Cloud computing now anchors the Philippines’ digital transformation, powering smarter banking, faster government services, and more connected businesses. But as cloud adoption accelerates, so does the question of accountability: who is truly responsible for keeping our data, applications, and systems secure? While cloud providers safeguard the underlying infrastructure, customers ultimately control their own data, configurations, and user access. This “shared responsibility” model is meant to balance trust and transparency, but in practice, it often creates gaps that attackers are quick to exploit. In a cloud-first Philippines, where information moves fluidly across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, human error remains the biggest vulnerability. The Local Threat Landscape The 2025 Fortinet–Cybersecurity Insiders State of Cloud Security Report highlights how confusion around shared responsibility remains one of the top risks for global organisations. Although providers secure the platforms, users, from enterprises to individual developers are accountable for what they build and host. In the Philippines, the challenge is amplified by the country’s rapid pace of digitalisation. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported millions of malicious attempts against government systems in 2024, while the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023–2028 identified malware, data leaks, and compromised websites among the most frequent incidents. These numbers reveal a simple truth: while innovation is moving fast, security readiness is still catching up. Bridging the Human and Technical Divide Before the cloud, organizations controlled every part of their IT environment, from servers, networks, to user devices. Now, with workloads spread across multiple platforms and third-party providers, a single misconfiguration or overlooked access setting can open the door to an attack. Cloud providers are responsible for platform integrity, but users must secure what they put inside it. That includes managing access credentials, protecting stored data, and applying patches promptly. Yet breaches continue to occur because people assume “someone else” is responsible. This mindset must change. Technology alone cannot close the security gap. Weak passwords, over-privileged accounts, and outdated systems remain among the most common causes of exposure. Filipino companies must empower every employee, and not just the IT team  to become a first line of defence. Cyber awareness should be part of everyday business culture, from the boardroom to the help desk. Building a Culture of Accountability Security begins with good governance and awareness. Enforcing multi-factor authentication and the principle of least privilege helps limit access to sensitive systems. Integrating security testing early into software development (DevSecOps) reduces vulnerabilities before deployment. Regular audits of configurations and permissions, especially in hybrid environments, prevent issues from going unnoticed. However, processes alone are not enough. The Philippines faces a growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, compounded by uneven reporting on cyber incidents. This makes it harder for both public and private sectors to design effective defense strategies. To close this gap, leadership must make cybersecurity an organization-wide responsibility. Executives should champion clear governance frameworks for cloud security, invest in regular simulations and training, and ensure that accountability is shared across functions. Transparency through periodic reporting on vulnerabilities, vendor risks, and response plans, which builds trust and drives improvement. From Compliance to Confidence As cyber threats become more sophisticated, cloud and application security can no longer be treated as a compliance exercise. It must be seen as a pillar of digital trust and the foundation on which the country’s digital economy depends. The journey to a secure cloud ecosystem is not just about deploying technology; it’s about empowering people, enforcing governance, and embracing accountability at every level. When Filipino businesses, public agencies, and technology partners take collective ownership of cybersecurity, the Philippines moves closer to a cloud economy that is not only innovative but also resilient and trusted.              

Globe’s long-term competitiveness has always been anchored on its Customer-First approach. This means that customer experience is not a support function but the very essence of its strategy, which underpins Globe’s broader growth trajectory and sustained momentum, as seen in the last two quarters. One of the things that would accelerate this Customer-First transformation is Globe’s recently announced cloud modernization initiative with Amazon Web Services. This initiative strengthens its capability to deliver more responsive, intelligent, and scalable digital services. By leveraging AWS advanced cloud capabilities, Globe is enhancing its use of AI-driven innovation, analytics, and modernized applications, enabling more proactive customer support, faster rollout of service enhancements, and deeper personalization of interactions across its entire customer base. Globe is working with AWS to expand its cloud infrastructure, modernize its B2B and digital platforms, and deploy AI-driven tools that enhance personalization and customer support. This includes upgrading its network management system, improving SIM activation processes, and developing advanced CX innovations. Omnichannel strategy Another pillar of this strategy is Globe’s reinvestment in physical touchpoints nationwide. After a period of selective consolidation, the company is doing a strategic expansion on its retail footprint to meet customers where they prefer to engage, whether online or face-to-face. This includes refreshed full-service stores in major malls such as Robinsons Manila, alongside new micro-format touchpoints in communities such as Vigan, Sorsogon City, Boracay, and Bohol. These stores have been redesigned to serve not just as sales hubs but as experience centers where customers can receive personalized assistance, explore lifestyle-driven broadband and mobile solutions, and access support with the warmth and responsiveness of Globe’s frontline teams. Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz emphasized that the company’s omnichannel service model is anchored on empathy and responsiveness. “Whether they are online or offline, we will be there for them. We will continue to study where our customers truly need us for face-to-face interaction, and we’ll meet them there,” he said. Intelligent service platforms This strong physical presence is matched by significant investments in intelligent service platforms. Globe continues to deploy AI-enabled customer tools, to personalized enterprise support at scale. Conversational AI capabilities are being advanced to be more responsive, understand local language and cultural nuances, that improves interactions and making digital support more intuitive for Filipino users. The company’s customer experience push extends across its broader ecosystem. Through this unified physical-digital framework, Globe ensures the improvements are consistently being made to provide more consistent and seamless engagement across channels. Retail agents are enabled to guide customers across channels using the GoBenta app and other digital platforms, while stores include self-service zones and community activation spaces that allow customers to transact at their own pace. At the same time, Globe has leveled-up its hyper-personalized offers across channels including GlobeOne and GCash, to provide customers the offers that fit them best depending on their profile, leveraging AI. Meanwhile, broadband hypercare communities on channels like Viber provide highly responsive localized support. This heightened focus on experience aligns closely with Globe’s performance momentum. As disclosed, mobile data revenues reached Php29.1 billion in the third quarter of 2025, while the company’s mobile subscriber base grew to 63.1 million which are clear indicators of rising engagement and trust. Globe’s network investments, including expanded 5G and fiber deployment, have underpinned this growth by providing faster, more consistent, and more reliable connectivity.  The customer-centric focus on network investments enabled Globe to be the most consistent mobile network in the country in the last four years according to Ookla®. Building value, building relationships For Globe, the strategy is straightforward: building value means building relationships. Customer experience is not merely transactional but the  backbone of loyalty, the catalyst for digital inclusion, and its true differentiator, especially relevant during these times that Filipinos are more economically challenged and they need a partner to tide them through. By combining the strength of its brands, network and distribution footprint, the intelligence of its AI-driven platforms, and now the accelerated innovation enabled by AWS, Globe is positioning itself to grow with purpose, anchored on care and elevated by technology, towards uplifting the lives of every Filipino.